Life President – Vernon Thurgood
Vernon revived the Leominster Choral Society in 1967 and was its Musical Director and conductor for more than 40 years. In addition he has recently retired as organist and choirmaster of Leominster Priory Church.
In recognition of his contribution to music in the county of Herefordshire he won the Elgar in Hereford Music Award in 2007.
Musical Director – James Atherton
The Society is pleased to have James Atherton as our Musical Director and conductor.
He has extensive experience as both a professional singer and a conductor. For over 25 years James has been running and training various musical ensembles, from small consorts to large choral societies. He has also led master classes and workshops and also several educational programmes in schools and colleges on singing and conducting.
James is also head voicer of organ pipes for the firm of Nicholson and Co of Malvern – the builders of the fine instrument here in the Priory.
Read more about James here.
Associate Conductor – Hilary Norris
We are fortunate in having the services of Hilary Norris as our Associate Conductor, and to lead the choir in rehearsals when James is absent.
She recently succeeded Vernon Thurgood as Music Director at Leominster Priory.
Hilary read music at Oxford University and went on to study at the Sweelinck Conservatory, Amsterdam. As a solo organ recitalist she has given concerts across Europe and regularly performs in the UK. She has made a number of recordings, including two solo albums. Hilary also directs choirs and particularly enjoys enabling children to sing together.